Any time your cat’s behavior or tendencies change suddenly, it could be a worrisome situation. Why is my cat drinking so much water, and should I be concerned? After all, water is healthy, right?
When you have questions about increased thirst in cats or other behavioral changes, the animal care experts at Penny Paws Animal Clinic can provide advice and focused care. Learn more about some of the concerning ailments related to feline excessive drinking.
How To Know If Your Cat Is Suddenly Drinking More Water
Why is my cat drinking so much water, and, more importantly, how can I be certain the cat is drinking more? Understanding the appropriate cat water intake can be challenging. Measuring the amount of water the cat is drinking can help you recognize excessive thirst, or polydipsia, in cats.Â
Typically, a cat should drink about 3 ounces of water for every 5 pounds it weighs. A 15-pound cat should drink about 9 ounces of water daily.
Certainly, if the cat spends a lot of time outdoors in hot weather or is extremely active, it may drink more water than the average cat. Older cats may drink less water than younger cats.
If you have one cat, it’s easier to track the amount of water the animal is drinking. Try to limit the cat to one water source and record the amount of water the animal drinks each day for several days. If the cat is drinking more water than average, you should contact your veterinarian.
If you have more than one pet and they share a water bowl, it’s more difficult to measure the amount one cat is drinking. Some cats drink water from multiple sources throughout the day, too, which complicates measuring their water intake.
For pet owners who cannot easily measure the amount of water the animal is drinking, try just observing the cat throughout the day. Does the animal seem to be making more trips to the water bowl than usual? Are you filling the water bowl more often during the day than seems normal?
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to your veterinarian to make an appointment to discuss your concerns. Some of the cat dehydration symptoms that might explain why the animal is suddenly drinking more water include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Reaction to medications
- Loss of appetite
- Panting
- Constipation
Increased Water Intake Could Indicate Problems With Organs
Why is my cat drinking so much water, and is it an early sign of organ diseases? Organ failure is one of the most concerning outcomes when your cat is suddenly drinking more water than usual.
Kidney Disease Leads to Dehydration
Older cats are more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease than younger cats. However, if cats of any age are drinking more water than usual, this could be a sign of kidney disease.
When the kidneys are not working properly, cats need to urinate more often, and they drink more water to compensate. Increased urination will occur if one or both kidneys are diseased.
Beyond increased urination, some of the signs of kidney disease include:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Poor breath
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite
Kidney disease in felines doesn’t have a cure, but its effects are manageable with the help of a veterinarian.
Cats With Liver Disease May Be Thirsty
Liver disease can frequently occur in older or obese cats. Felines that have bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections can experience liver disease, too.
The problems related to liver disease leave cats less able to filter toxins out of the blood. They may struggle to digest food. Such issues may cause the animal to drink more water and urinate more frequently.
Liver disease can often be treated effectively through medical interventions and dietary modifications.
Thyroid Problems Cause Cats To Drink More Water
If a cat has a tumor in the thyroid gland, called hyperthyroidism, the animal’s hormones move out of balance. The thyroid regulates metabolism when it’s healthy, but a tumor can negatively affect the thyroid’s performance.
Even when they appear to be eating constantly, cats with hyperthyroidism may still lose weight due to an increased metabolic rate. This issue can also explain the increased water consumption.
Without treatment, the cat could begin suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure. A radioiodine treatment is the most common way veterinarians will try to eliminate the tumor and return the cat’s thyroid performance to normal.
Cats Might Drink More Water When Battling Diabetes
Why is my cat drinking so much water, and is it a sign of illness? One of the feline diabetes signs is increased liquid intake.
When a cat is suffering from diabetes, the animal has higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. The cat’s pancreas is not creating enough insulin when the animal has diabetes.
Some cats are more susceptible to developing diabetes for reasons including:
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Genetic predisposition
- Presence of other diseases
A cat that increases its water intake significantly and urinates more frequently than normal may be exhibiting the early signs of diabetes. Animals that are losing weight while eating more food than normal may also be developing diabetes.
After a veterinarian performs a blood or urine test to diagnose diabetes, treatments involve regularly injecting the animal with insulin. Many cat owners can perform these injections themselves at home. Dietary changes might be part of the treatment, too.
Trust Penny Paws Animal Clinic To Find Reasons for Increased Water Intake From Your Cat
Why is my cat drinking so much water, and should I consult with a veterinarian? Although some cats slightly vary their water intake from day to day based on activity levels, significant changes in water consumption can indicate health problems.Â
A cat in pain or one that is in the early stages of suffering from cat kidney disease might suddenly start drinking more water. Let our experts at Penny Paws Animal Clinic diagnose the problem. Call us today to schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth clinic at (817) 522-1992 or visit our contact page to find your closest clinic in Texas.